Beeline Bike Navigation 4+

Got the Moto through kickstarter and absolutely love it. Used it for years while living in Germany. The genius is in the simplicity of it; it just works (although it takes a couple of uses to get used to the timing and whatnot, but once figured out…bravo)!

My only gripe (albeit a very small one) is the underlying navigation engine used (google maps?), it is slow to update construction/closures/hazards which had led me to a couple of frustrating moments on the road. I think if the programmers were to use something that’s relatively real-time, such Waze instead, it would be a 10/10 product! Overall, very very highly recommended for motorcycle riders looking for a simple, small, intuitive navigation device that just plain works and gives you flexibility to search the less traveled roads yet still get you to the destination. Very happy with mine 😏

There is promise with this device. With future firmware upgrades, functionality is likely to be added that will make this device usable for the common city rider. Today I would not recommend it to other than early adopters. I have used it for about 150 miles of biking in central London. City streets are far too complex to rely on navigation from this device. I am continually riding past my turns. I don’t know if that due to a slow processor, poor GPS signal in city canyons, missing cues on the interface, or a combination of those. You have to keep going back and relying on a map app on your phone, which negates having the device in the first place. If I have to keep relying on my phone, there is no real use for the device. I look forward to trying it on country roads where there is less complexity, and the device should be able to cope.

I am also hoping for better ability to map quiet routes in cities and routes that avoid crowded walkways like canal tow paths in London. The app takes me on routes that are a little scary at times. Perhaps a teaming with CycleStreets would help.

I’ve been riding for a decade and for the first time I finally have found an app that is intelligent in the routes that it chooses for you. The option of the “fun” or “fast” way is a simple and effective solution to an issue that all motorcyclists face when using a navigation app, I am just surprised that nobody has made such an app early. I also purchased the Beeline Moto device which is a perfect pair for this app so I don’t have to mount my phone to my handlebars, which is known to ruin phone cameras, as well as draining batteries by having the screen on for prolonged periods of time. Regardless, the app, Moto device or not, is a must have if you are looking to use your phone to get around on your motorcycle.